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  • Oral History

Don Pierce

October 11, 1995 OHC226 48 min.
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Biography


Music industry executive. Born October 10, 1915. Died April 3, 2005. Real name: Donald Frederick Picht. Career most active late 1940s-1960s. Recognized as one of the leading country music marketers of his era. Sales manager for Four Star Records, 1946-1953. President of Starday Records, 1953-1968.

Interview Summary

1995 October 11
(48 minutes)
Don Pierce talks about changes in the country music industry and their effect on his independent label, Starday Records. Discussion includes memories of artists from the Starday roster, including Buck Owens; Starday’s activity in the album market; the final years of the Starday label; the acquisition of King Records and the subsequent sale to Lin Broadcasting; and comments on his role in developing and promoting the country music industry.